In the exclusion zone, during the containment of a large-scale forest fire, firefighters saved a moose calf that found itself in the epicenter of the natural disaster. This was reported by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SESU).
SESU employees encountered the frightened animal directly while performing fire containment work. As noted by the department, the moose calf had lost its mother in the fire and was completely defenseless against the danger. Rescuers conducted a special operation for its release.
“Firefighters encountered a defenseless, frightened little animal that had lost its mother in the fire during the suppression of the fire and conducted a real special rescue operation,”, the service's message stated.
The further fate of the rescued moose calf
Immediately after evacuation from the danger zone, the animal was given water and provided with the necessary care. Rescuers consulted with forestry representatives, professional zoologists, and veterinarians to determine the optimal conditions for the calf's rehabilitation.
Currently, the moose calf is being prepared for transfer to the supervision of specialists. The SESU emphasized that they will not leave the animal unattended and will continue to provide information about its health and further fate.
Fire suppression
The area of the fire in the exclusion zone, according to operational data, exceeded 1,100 hectares. Strong wind gusts and prolonged dry weather contribute to the spread of fire to new forest areas.
The suppression process is complicated not only by weather factors but also by mine danger. Due to the threat of ammunition explosions in certain areas of the territory, specialists are temporarily unable to carry out extinguishing work.
SESU units, together with involved special equipment and forces from other services, are working in an intensified mode in those forest blocks where the security situation allows.
Radiation situation monitoring data
As of 11:00 on May 8, the radiation situation across the entire territory of Ukraine remains stable. According to data from the National Hydrometeorological Service of the SESU of Ukraine, no deviations in gamma radiation levels have been recorded.
“The radiation background is normal amid the large-scale fire in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone, the suppression of which is ongoing,”, the Ministry of Internal Affairs emphasized.
The department also appealed to citizens with a call to rely exclusively on official information sources to avoid the spread of contradictory data in the public space.
